Topic: Social empowerment
1. The national tele-mental health programme is a welcome step in main streaming mental health and wellness. But its success will depend on its ability to reach masses and destigmatise mental disorders in the society. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate.
Reference: New Indian Express
Why the question:
The government recognised the toll the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has been taking on the mental health of a large section of the population and addressed it by announcing the rollout of a national tele-mental health programme for people of all ages, during FInance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the national tele-mental health programme and need to destigmatise mental health for its success.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving an overview of mental health set up in India and trends in mental health disroders.
Body:
First, write about the national tele-mental health programme, its features and the potential benefits from it.
Next, write about the need to reach masses and destigmatise mental disorders in the society – mention the steps that must be taken in this regard – creating awareness, accessible treatment, promoting well-being, harnessing AYUSH etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward of measures needed to further strengthen mental health in India.
